A scheme to help people become their own boss aims to help would-be entrepreneurs in the North East.

A scheme to help people become their own boss aims to help would-be entrepreneurs in the North East.

The New Entrepreneur Scholarships (NES) is a business training and start-up project which has helped hundreds to take their first steps in the business world.

Involving a combination of practical business training, advice and funding support, the scholarships are intended to help people from disadvantaged areas overcome the most common barriers they face to starting in business.

Adults of any age can apply for a scholarship and the places are awarded locally, on the basis of an interview, to candidates who will be able to get the most out of the support available.

Once accepted on to the scheme scholars follow a part-time course of business training specifically designed to fill the gaps in their knowledge and to enable them to produce a proper business plan with which they will be able to raise funding and start business for themselves.

The scholarships also offer a personal business mentor to help the guide scholar through the first year of his or her business and scholars also have access to cash to help them with specific resources needed to start their business.

The NES programme is run by a partnership of Local Enterprise Agencies, the Prince's Trust and the Association of Business Schools, ensuring expert guidance to all scholars.

Applications for the scholarships are being accepted now in most areas. Visit www.nesprogramme.org or call Angela Rogers on 01234 354055.